Indonesia readies three alternative airports as Anak Krakatau erupts

Indonesia has prepared three alternative airports on Java to handle domestic and international flights after six airports were temporarily closed due to ash from the eruption of Anak Krakatau, according to Indonesian Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi.

He added that Kertajati Airport in Majalengka, West Java; Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang, Central Java; and Juanda Airport in Surabaya, East Java, have been designated as safe alternative landing sites, Caliber.Az reports via Antara.

The measure is aimed at maintaining air travel and assisting passengers, particularly those traveling to Jakarta. Airlines have been authorized to divert flights to the designated airports, provided operational and safety requirements are met.

At least six airports in Indonesia have been temporarily closed following the eruption, including Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport in Jakarta, three airports in Banten province, and one each in Lampung and West Java provinces.

The eruption began on the evening of September 4, sending a fountain of lava into the air. A column of ash and smoke rose to more than 15,000 meters, while, according to Indonesia’s meteorological service, the sounds of the eruption could be heard up to 700 kilometers away. By Sunday morning, September 6, ash from Anak Krakatau had reached Jakarta. 

Residents were urged to wear medical masks when going outdoors, keep windows, doors and ventilation openings closed, and turn off air conditioners. No casualties have been reported so far.

Anak Krakatau is located in western Indonesia between the country’s two largest islands, Sumatra and Java. The volcano became more active in July 2026, prompting local authorities to raise the alert level to Level 3 on a four-point scale.

By Jeyhun Aghazada